Posted on 03/20/2016 7:13:49 AM PDT by Arthur Wildfire! March
Who is more statist? Trump or Cruz?
Mark Levin attempted to paint Trump as a 'statist'.*
'Statist' means 'big government' and 'centralized power'.
So let's compare Trump and Cruz.
First there are two points in Cruz' favor:
Cruz is opposed to Big Ethanol and wants to completely defund Family Planning. Small differences fiscally speaking, but those are two examples of Trump being a 'statist'. [Two for Levin.]
Health care is a wash. Trump and Cruz are both anti-statist on that issue because they both seek to de-centralize.
Now for important differences:
Point 1: Twenty five percent of federal employees would quit under the Trump presidency.* Trump is notorious as a cost-cutter. Is that statist? It's a stab at the very heart of Levin's point.
Point 2: Leftist rent-a-mobs are statist. Cruz blamed Trump for his anti-statist attitude about these brown shirts.
One reason democrats seem more popular than they do is because they have followed the Nazi maxim to 'conquer the streets'. These goons even conquer public rallies.
This is the most dangerous aspect of statist power and might be the worst political error Cruz has ever made.
Point 3: Senator Cruz did much more than simply vote for Chief Justice Roberts. He pushed for him. On the flip side, Trump's top two judicial considerations are anything but statist. Cruz is actually closer to being a statist regarding judicial nominees, and that is supposed to be his greatest strength!
~~~
Why Mark Levin is in Error
Levin equates populism with progressivism and statism.
But the dominant element of Trump's populism has nothing to do with big ethanol or family planning.
Here are the driving forces behind Trump's populism:
Point 1: Trump promises to waterboard. [Cruz ducks that particular issue.]
Point 2: Trump's trade policy. [Cruz opposes.]
Point 3: Trump's muslim ban. [Cruz opposes.]
Point 4: Most definitive of all is Trump's enthusiasm for a border wall. Cruz agrees, but he failed to be as confrontational with Mexico, thus his enthusiasm was less intense.
What do all four of those differences have in common?
Patriotism.
That's why Trump is referred to as a 'nationalist'.
Patriotic populism is not 'progressivism'.
~~~
I still admire Mark Levin.
His Liberty Amendments movement which is downright revolutionary. He's the Madison of this century. And Trump is also revolutionary in his patriotic courage.
I hope that Levin will one day appreciate what is being achieved.
~~~
* Link will be provided in followup posting.
Another entry in bizarro world free republic
passing out teddy bears to illegal aliens to “welcome” them to America is pro-amnesty. PERIOD !
“Health care is a wash. Trump and Cruz are both anti-statist on that issue because they both seek to de-centralize.”
**************
Uh, NO. Trump wants UNIVERSAL health car PAID for by the GOVERNMENT. How is that “de-centralized?”
I quit listening. He is a wild man sometimes.
Bottom line:
Levin confuses partiotic populism with populist progressivism. Cruz is actually more of a statist in issues that matter most.
It/s downright Orwellian-—words don/t mean what they seem to mean.
Trump and Healthcare — anti-statist.
1. Block funding to states is anti-statist. De-centralized.
2. De-regulating insurance competition is de-centraliztion.
3. More freedoms for each individual, including savings accounts.
Not pure, but congress is in no mood to permit complete deregulation.
Healthcare Reform to Make America Great Again
https://www.donaldjtrump.com/positions/healthcare-reform
Since March of 2010, the American people have had to suffer under the incredible economic burden of the Affordable Care Act—Obamacare. This legislation, passed by totally partisan votes in the House and Senate and signed into law by the most divisive and partisan President in American history, has tragically but predictably resulted in runaway costs, websites that don’t work, greater rationing of care, higher premiums, less competition and fewer choices. Obamacare has raised the economic uncertainty of every single person residing in this country. As it appears Obamacare is certain to collapse of its own weight, the damage done by the Democrats and President Obama, and abetted by the Supreme Court, will be difficult to repair unless the next President and a Republican congress lead the effort to bring much-needed free market reforms to the healthcare industry.
But none of these positive reforms can be accomplished without Obamacare repeal. On day one of the Trump Administration, we will ask Congress to immediately deliver a full repeal of Obamacare.
However, it is not enough to simply repeal this terrible legislation. We will work with Congress to make sure we have a series of reforms ready for implementation that follow free market principles and that will restore economic freedom and certainty to everyone in this country. By following free market principles and working together to create sound public policy that will broaden healthcare access, make healthcare more affordable and improve the quality of the care available to all Americans.
Any reform effort must begin with Congress. Since Obamacare became law, conservative Republicans have been offering reforms that can be delivered individually or as part of more comprehensive reform efforts. In the remaining sections of this policy paper, several reforms will be offered that should be considered by Congress so that on the first day of the Trump Administration, we can start the process of restoring faith in government and economic liberty to the people.
Congress must act. Our elected representatives in the House and Senate must:
Completely repeal Obamacare. Our elected representatives must eliminate the individual mandate. No person should be required to buy insurance unless he or she wants to.
Modify existing law that inhibits the sale of health insurance across state lines. As long as the plan purchased complies with state requirements, any vendor ought to be able to offer insurance in any state. By allowing full competition in this market, insurance costs will go down and consumer satisfaction will go up.
Allow individuals to fully deduct health insurance premium payments from their tax returns under the current tax system. Businesses are allowed to take these deductions so why wouldn’t Congress allow individuals the same exemptions? As we allow the free market to provide insurance coverage opportunities to companies and individuals, we must also make sure that no one slips through the cracks simply because they cannot afford insurance. We must review basic options for Medicaid and work with states to ensure that those who want healthcare coverage can have it.
Allow individuals to use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Contributions into HSAs should be tax-free and should be allowed to accumulate. These accounts would become part of the estate of the individual and could be passed on to heirs without fear of any death penalty. These plans should be particularly attractive to young people who are healthy and can afford high-deductible insurance plans. These funds can be used by any member of a family without penalty. The flexibility and security provided by HSAs will be of great benefit to all who participate.
Require price transparency from all healthcare providers, especially doctors and healthcare organizations like clinics and hospitals. Individuals should be able to shop to find the best prices for procedures, exams or any other medical-related procedure.
Block-grant Medicaid to the states. Nearly every state already offers benefits beyond what is required in the current Medicaid structure. The state governments know their people best and can manage the administration of Medicaid far better without federal overhead. States will have the incentives to seek out and eliminate fraud, waste and abuse to preserve our precious resources.
Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products. Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America. Though the pharmaceutical industry is in the private sector, drug companies provide a public service. Allowing consumers access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers.
The reforms outlined above will lower healthcare costs for all Americans. They are simply a place to start. There are other reforms that might be considered if they serve to lower costs, remove uncertainty and provide financial security for all Americans. And we must also take actions in other policy areas to lower healthcare costs and burdens. Enforcing immigration laws, eliminating fraud and waste and energizing our economy will relieve the economic pressures felt by every American. It is the moral responsibility of a nation’s government to do what is best for the people and what is in the interest of securing the future of the nation.
Providing healthcare to illegal immigrants costs us some $11 billion annually. If we were to simply enforce the current immigration laws and restrict the unbridled granting of visas to this country, we could relieve healthcare cost pressures on state and local governments.
To reduce the number of individuals needing access to programs like Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program we will need to install programs that grow the economy and bring capital and jobs back to America. The best social program has always been a job – and taking care of our economy will go a long way towards reducing our dependence on public health programs.
Finally, we need to reform our mental health programs and institutions in this country. Families, without the ability to get the information needed to help those who are ailing, are too often not given the tools to help their loved ones. There are promising reforms being developed in Congress that should receive bi-partisan support.
To reform healthcare in America, we need a President who has the leadership skills, will and courage to engage the American people and convince Congress to do what is best for the country. These straightforward reforms, along with many others I have proposed throughout my campaign, will ensure that together we will Make America Great Again.
However, the maker of the GMO seed that goes into making ethanol is one of Cruz's biggest donors. Ethanol is but a drop in a bucket compared to all the other areas in which that big donor of Cruz's gorges itself at the government lobbying trough. So the, ‘Cruz is opposed to ethanol’ is but a ruse to keep ones eye from the many crony capitalistic bills Cruz has voted for, bills that benefit his big donor a the expense of the family farmer.
Uh no, Trump does not want universal health care. Another teddy lie .
This thread makes it clear that your tagline is completely at odds with reality.
Not to mention, who is more anti-establishment? Trump or Cruz?
See who is getting Establishment endorsements?
54 Private Jets at Meeting to Stop Trump
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/3407016/posts?page=61#61
[Link list on post 61]
Top conservatives gather to plot third party run against Trump
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3409672/posts
Mark Levin has become a sorry, pathetic waste of air space. His love for Ted has blinded him. So anyone he disagrees with is a Statist?
‘However, the maker of the GMO seed that goes into making ethanol is one of Cruz’s biggest donors.’
Very interesting.
Considering the latest Cruz endorsements, I’m not surprised.
I’m sure Mark Levin convinced himself that a few straw men were valid points that actually define Trump.
One of those memes that never happened. In other words, a lie.
It appears that liars lie. It’s what they do.
Sorry but Trump’s trade policy will drive down the American economy. Just as it has done in the past.
You beat me to it. No way Trump ia anything mut a big government progressive, a.k.a. A statist. No question about it.
Foreign lobbyists have had a field day here in the US. We have lopsided negotiations. Been that way for far too long.
The policy of America First will improve US jobs.
I think Cruz discussed the Muslim ban before Trump. It was a few days before Trump.
I think if either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump wins the presidency, the wall on our border will be built.
If Trump builds it it will be to keep people out, if Hillary wins it will be to keep us in.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.